Talking to producers of Easy Read health information for people with intellectual disability: Production practices, textual features, and imagined audiences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Concerns about health inequalities experienced by people with intellectual disability (ID) have led to many health information materials being created in an “Easy Read” format. This study aimed to understand the practices involved in making information accessible. Methods: Individual, pair and group interviews were conducted involving people with and without ID based in non-profit organisations, academic, and health service settings. Thematic analysis addressed the creation of Easy Read health resources, the format and content of the texts, and how producers imagine the texts are received by potential audiences. Results: Little consensus emerged of the best way to produce Easy Read health information. Lacking systematic feedback, participants described imagined audiences and contexts for their reception. Conclusions: Production of Easy Read resources has become widespread despite current limited evidence of impact. Interactions between social groups involved in the production process and the wider policy and legislative context contribute to this situation.